July 17 (30)-August 10 (23), 1903

12. Speech on the Attendance of the Polish Social-Democrats at the Congress

July 18 (31)

Inits report, the committee holds that the Polish comrades’ presence at
the Congress is desirable, but only in a deliberative capacity. In my
opinion that is quite right, and it seems to me quite reasonable to begin
the resolution of the committee with a statement to this effect. The
presence of the Letts and the Lithuanians would also be highly desirable,
but, unfortunately, that is not feasible. The Polish comrades could have
announced their conditions of affiliation at any time, but they did not do
so. The Organising Commit tee was therefore right in exercising restraint
towards them. Nor is the question clarified by the letter from the Polish
Social-Democrats which was read here. In view of this, I move that the
Polish comrades be invited as guests.